Adelaide 36ers sign experienced big man Mathiang

The Adelaide 36ers have strengthened their frontcourt, signing former NBA centre Mangok Mathiang for the remainder of the Hungry Jack’s NBL27 season.

The 208cm big man brings valuable international experience and an established NBL resume to Adelaide, having previously suited up for the Illawarra Hawks and New Zealand Breakers.

Mathiang first made his mark with Illawarra during the NBL23 season, averaging 7.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.0 blocks across 25 games. His ability to compete physically around the rim, finish inside and protect the paint made him a valuable presence for the Hawks.

The Melbourne-born centre joined the New Zealand Breakers the following season, where he averaged 6.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.2 blocks, and played alongside new Sixers teammate Zylan Cheatham.

Mathiang's professional career extends well beyond the NBL. After going undrafted in 2017, he earned an opportunity with the Charlotte Hornets, appearing in four NBA games during the 2017-18 season. He also played for the club's G League affiliate, the Greensboro Swarm, as he worked to establish himself.

A product of the University of Louisville, Mathiang played four collegiate seasons with the Cardinals, developing into a reliable interior presence before pursuing his professional career.

His international experience has included stints in Italy, Turkey and Israel as well as most recently in China with the Beijing Ducks and Ningbo Rockets.

With the Rockets, Mathiang was a teammate of Sixers centre Nick Rakocevic.

The 34-year-old South Sudan international arrives from Rwanda, where he played for the RSSB Tigers in the Basketball Africa League alongside former Sixer Craig Randall II.

In May, Mathiang scored 11 points and pulled down 14 rebounds in the BAL final, helping his side to Championship success, and he was named the competition’s Dikembe Mutombo Defensive Player of the Year.

“We didn’t want to rush the process of finding a replacement player. We wanted to bring in someone of really high value, and in Mangok we have that,” said Adelaide 36ers General Manager of Basketball Operations, Matt Weston.

“He brings experience in the league, big-time experience in Europe, Asia and Africa, as well as in the international space, and he’s going to play the role we’re after.

“We need that guy off the bench who does the hard yards. That means rebounding, setting screens, defending, and putting heat on the rim. Those are the four things we're looking for, and we know Mangok can provide.

“He’s got great size and physical presence, and per minute his rebounding numbers are about the same as Nick Rakocevic, so that will help us control the glass on both ends.”

Mathiang has joined the side ahead of Saturday night’s game against South East Melbourne, with a decision yet to be made as to whether he will suit up.

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